NFHS Authenticating Mark ProgramWhen varsity athletic competition resumes this fall in high schools around America, student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators and contest officials now will enjoy a higher standard of quality in game equipment with the implementation of the new NFHS Authenticating Mark Program. The NFHS Authenticating Mark Program, which was approved by the NFHS Board of Directors in January 1998, will ensure that the equipment meets NFHS rules specifications and will promote programs that benefit the high school community. The program will allow the development of more sophisticated standards in balls and pucks and clearly communicate to administrators that those standards are being met. The program will help fund sports medicine research and coaches education projects. Sixty-eight companies have contracted with the NFHS to participate in the Authenticating Mark Program, which replaces the NFHS Approved Products Program. As part of the Authenticating Mark Program, all balls and pucks used in varsity interscholastic competition in baseball, softball, football, basketball, ice hockey, volleyball, soccer, water polo and field hockey will be required to carry the mark beginning with the 1999-2000 school year. "The NFHS is pleased that these 68 companies have contracted to participate in the NFHS Authenticating Mark Program," said Robert F. Kanaby, NFHS executive director. "Through that participation, they are communicating to high school administrators, coaches and officials that their equipment is consistent with NFHS specifications. We appreciate their commitment to high school sports." In October 1998, the NFHS Board of Directors adopted the following statement: "The NFHS recognizes that circumstances will inevitably come to light that cannot be rectified within the established time frame for implementation of the NFHS Authenticating Mark Program. State associations will have broad leeway to work with schools, manufacturers and dealers to implement the program in a way that minimizes hardship to all interested parties. In the event that a properly marked ball or puck is not available for use in a given contest, the NFHS recommends that the contest be played, and that the game officials send a report to the applicable state association for such action, if any, that the state association deems appropriate." Although not delaying the implementation of the program, the statement will help NFHS-member state associations, manufacturers, dealers and schools phase into the program as smoothly as possible. For additional information regarding the NFHS Authenticating Mark Program, contact the NFHS. |
